Project abstract:
The subject of this work is an architectonical system used to design modular housing estates.
The work concludes with an example project of a cohousing settlement localized in Warsaw – Wesoła.
This elaboration consists of two layers, one is the settlement as a modular structure, and the other is the
house as a contemporary and smart living space.
The structure is based on a square module 8x8 meters. The module is shaped in such a way that
the neighboring houses have a seamlessly connected rooftops. System consists of 6 house types, A2, A3,
A4, B2, B3, and B4. The letter depends on location of front door, and the number is sum of people. All
the houses are based upon a single module, the only difference being the structure of interior and
number of windows. Modules are connected on the length of 4 meters.
Estate consists of 22 modules, 16 of which are houses. Using the possibility to bend and change
the direction of the row, the structure follows shape of the letter U. The row of houses divides the
settlement into two parts, outer and inner. The interior is a public space, paved and fitted with small
architecture, has a character of a plaza or a town square. It is open to all the inhabitants. The outer part
is divided into private gardens. Each house has a terrace and a garden. The gardens are not separated in
physical sense, divisions are implied by the form of the buildings. Gardens can be accessed only through
the house. Settlement has one Common House. A bigger building with an ample hall. It is comprised of
several modules, but only using their wooden shell. As in most cohousing estates, it is common place for
inhabitants, apart from the hall, it also provides a convenient working space. All of these features and
facilities are part of the system. They are independent of the plot, or setup of the modules.
The houses are designed in timber light frame technology. Each panel is prefabricated and
assembled on site. Energy performance is a key issue. High efficiency is achieved using both
contemporary technologies, and traditional wisdom. Technical aspects are closely tied to form of the
building, which results in an unconventional architecture. Bond between the new and the old is
prominent in architecture of the house. Front façade is close to an icon of a house, whereas the garden
elevation, resembles unconstrained contemporary forms. Significant attribute of the interior is a clear
hierarchy of spaces. Living room being the most important one. Central point of the living room is the
stove. Located in the very center of the house, both by reason of heating efficiency and harking back to
the hearth as a heart of house. Grand window looking out at the garden makes nature part of the
interior, but also lets sunlight penetrate deep into the house.
